Roading crews will be resurfacing a stretch of State Highway 2 along the Wharerātās south of Gisborne next month.

A stretch of SH2 between Maraetaha Rd and Wharekakaho Rd will close most nights from December 7 to December 19 to allow crews to safely resurface the road as efficiently as possible.

This stretch of road will close each night at 8pm and reopen at 5am each day in time for early commuter traffic to pass through.

The road will be open overnight Sunday December 10 until Monday December 11 and Sunday December 17 until Monday December 18 to allow rest days for our crews.

"This overnight work is weather dependent and Waka Kotahi advises all road users to regularly check our interactive Journey Planner for up to date, daily information. If the wet weather delays work at any stage, the road will be open that night," says a Waka Kotahi NZTA spokesperson.

Waka Kotahi Hawke’s Bay / Tairāwhiti System Manager Martin Colditz says the overnight closures will allow teams to carry out the resurfacing much more quickly and safely than they would otherwise be able to under alternative traffic management.

An overnight closure is needed for the work to ensure the safety of workers using the asphalt plant as this stretch of road is narrow and windy.

“We know how crucial this stretch of SH2 is for the community and next month’s work comes soon after the asphalting work on SH2 north of Gisborne. It’s important we get this work done in the warmer months, while the asphalt equipment is available, to ensure the longevity of the road.

“We’ve had really positive feedback on the new surfacing near Traffords Hill on SH2, with road users telling us the new asphalt gives them a much smoother ride providing more grip in the wetter weather.

“We’re confident next month’s work will give road users at Wharerātā the same experience, and we want to thank all road users for their understanding.”

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

·       Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

• Facebook: facebook.com/WakaKotahiHBG
• X (formerly Twitter): twitter.com/WakaKotahiCNI
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)